But for those who made that fateful trip, it wasn't about the money, it was about the emotional turmoil caused by the loss of an institution that was, and still is, a huge part of their lives and this community.

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Today he was left speechless and too upset to talk as he stood looking longingly at the famous old ground.

However many others wanted to get their frustrations off their chest.

"One of my abiding memories is waiting outside that Main Stand to get the autograph of (then England striker) Ray Pointer in 1962 when he was scoring for fun for this club" said John Haslam, 62, from Whitefield.

"They can't take those memories away from me, or anyone else for that matter. What's in your head, what you've been and what you've been there for, they can't take that away.

"But the fact it isn't going to continue is going to be devastating for thousands of people.

"The club is essential to the community.

"You've got to think not just in terms of people who watch the club, who've got the club at heart. You've got to think about the knock-on effect to other people outside of that hardcore of people like me who come every week.

"My grandson did some work experience and mentoring here when he was 14. And he dreamt of working here. He was never going to be a football but that was something he could strive for. Now we're going to have to explain to him it isn't going to happen.

"It's not just that. We enjoyed coming down here it's what we did as a family.

"I just cannot fathom how it has got to this point."

She was not alone in sharing that sense of bewilderment, frustration, and ultimately anger.

Thomas Berman, 27, blamed it on the EFL and said: "I'm annoyed, that's the most diplomatic way I can put it.

"I just knew it was going to happen.

(Image: Colin Horne - Manchester Evening News)

"Bolton are in the same situation as us but because they have more fans, a newer ground and are considered the bigger club they get allowances and we don't."

Jean Scholfield said: "I'm gutted. I've been coming to watch them since 1962.

"I hoped it would be kept going for the youngsters. We have plenty of young supporters.

Kenny Paynter's voice was breaking as he described his feelings on the situation.

The 58 year-old, who has been watching Bury 46 years: "I'm more sad than anything.

"Just coming down here and looking at the ground has brought it all back.

"Why didn't they give us longer?"

But Kenny did express a ray of optimism shared by many of his fellow fans.

(Image: Getty Images)

The club said today they were "taking stock of recent developments" and asked "give us time to take all this in..."

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis says he is asking the EFL to reconsider their position but the league say it cannot be appealed. And like others Kenny is trying to look forward.

"We've got to carry on, whether it further down or as a new club, we've got to do it. The club can't die. It means too much people" he said.

John Haslam said: "As a group of people we have a chance if we pull together.

"Hopefully we can resurrect something.

The weather reflected fans' mood (Image: Getty Images)

"The two essential things are we need to still try and find someone to take over the club but we also need to keep hold of that ground as that is the way we may be able to get back, as Stockport County have done.

"We cannot let it be mutilated by people with other interests."

The devastation of the fans was shared by those who previously worn the white and blue of Bury.

Former manager Ryan Lowe, who led the Shakers to promotion to League One to back in May, said: "Absolutely gutted. Can't describe how am feeling at this moment."

Club captain Neil Danns, who turned up outside the ground to chat to fans directly, said: "Just received the news. Absolutely devastated for everyone . My thoughts go out to all the fans . Who i have developed a special bond with. Still can’t believe it. It’s best I hold my tongue at this moment . Thank you to everyone and thank you for the memories Bury FC."

Phil Neville, whose family has such close ties to the club, said his mother Jill, who recently left her role as club secretary, shared the fans' despair.

"She's got unbelievable memories, she's got great memories in her life. Watching her sons play or her daughter play, but probably her best memories were going into work with her husband every single day.

"She's no longer got that, but that is like every other of the 3000, 4000 supporters at Bury. They're not people that just roll over, there are people in that football club that are ingrained in the brickwork, in the foundations. They wake up this morning with no football club.